August 11, 2006

Yao returns but China go down 82-73 to Germany

BEIJING (Reuters) - Yao Ming finally got some court time on
Friday but could not prevent China losing 82-73 to Germany in a
world championship warm-up tournament in Nanjing.

The Houston Rockets All Star, China's best player, received
a huge ovation from the crowd when he returned to action for
the first time since breaking his foot in an NBA game in April.

The 7 ft 6 in center was used sparingly and Germany,
inspired by a dynamic performance from Dallas Mavericks
franchise forward Dirk Nowitzki, were able to open up a
nine-point lead late in the second quarter.

China, still missing the injured Wang Zhizhi, were unable
to bridge the gap in the second period and slumped to a sixth
straight defeat in world championship warm-ups.

In Friday's other game, Greece, who beat Germany to become
European champions last year, overcame an inexperienced
Australia side 68-60.

The Stankovic Cup, which also features France and Brazil,
continues in Nanjing through the weekend with the final matches
on Tuesday in nearby Kunshan.